In 2018, Freddie Highmore earned a prestigious nomination at the E! People’s Choice Awards for The Male TV Star of 2018—a moment that highlighted just how much his portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy resonated with audiences. Unlike critic-driven awards, the People’s Choice is exactly that: chosen by fans. Highmore’s nomination stood alongside television giants like Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead), Cole Sprouse (Riverdale), and Justin Chambers (Grey’s Anatomy), placing him among the most beloved actors of the year.
What made this nomination especially significant was the cultural impact The Good Doctor was beginning to make. In just its second season, the show had already built a loyal following, and Freddie’s deeply empathetic performance helped change perceptions about neurodiversity and what it means to be a hero on screen. Viewers weren’t just watching a doctor solve complex cases—they were watching a young man fight to be understood in a world that often marginalizes difference.
Freddie’s recognition at the People’s Choice Awards wasn’t just a win for him—it was a win for representation. It showed that audiences were ready to embrace stories led by characters who see the world differently. Though he didn’t take home the trophy, his nomination alone was a testament to the power of quiet, thoughtful storytelling and the universal appeal of authenticity.
As The Good Doctor continues to grow in popularity, that 2018 nod remains a milestone. It reminded the industry that sometimes, the most powerful performances aren’t loud or flashy—they’re real.
